Anglian Water has introduced a hosepipe ban across its region, including Grantham and the surrounding villages, from 1.01am tomorrow (Saturday 11 July). It is the first time the company has brought in restrictions since 2012.
The company says weeks of hot, dry weather, including three successive heatwaves, and record demand mean water is being used faster than it can be replaced naturally in rivers, groundwater and reservoirs. Its teams are currently treating and supplying around 30% more water than usual. Customers are being asked to start following the restrictions straight away, ahead of the official start.
During the ban, hosepipes must not be used for watering gardens or plants, washing cars, cleaning patios, driveways, walls or windows, filling paddling pools, swimming pools, hot tubs, ponds or ornamental fountains, or cleaning private leisure boats. Sprinklers and pressure washers connected to the mains are also included.
You can still water your garden and grow fruit and vegetables using a watering can, a bucket or water from a water butt. Drip or trickle irrigation systems are allowed if they are fitted with a timer and a pressure reducing valve, are not handheld, and deliver water directly to the soil or plant roots.
Everyday water use is not affected. Drinking, cooking, washing and hygiene can carry on as normal.
Some exceptions apply, including for customers on the Priority Services Register who cannot make reasonable adjustments because of a health condition or disability, and for uses such as animal welfare, health and safety, business needs and religious practices. Details are on the Anglian Water website.
Anglian Water said: “We know this won’t be welcome news. After weeks of hot, dry weather and exceptionally high demand, we’re using water faster than it can be replaced naturally.”
The East of England is the driest region in the UK, and river levels across much of the area are currently below normal, with some at notably or exceptionally low levels. Reservoir storage is also lower than expected for this time of year. The ban applies to all Anglian Water customers except those in Hartlepool.
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